Dec 16 1991 - Russia Asks Recognition From U.S. : Diplomacy: Baker says he will consider the request for new status for Moscow and its commonwealth partners. Secretary's tour will take him to five republics.

I see someone downvoted you. Not sure why. That was possibly the biggest single event of that year, if not for several years. When the police who beat him were acquitted at trial, I lived in Las Vegas. A smaller version of the LA Riots broke out in North Las Vegas. Scary times.